Samuel C. A. Rogers
1936 Centennial Marker
Rogers Family Cemetery, NW of Ganado on private property
 

Photo courtesy of Find A Grave volunteer tjvon #47013566


Photo courtesy of Find A Grave volunteer Liz Sutherland #48183917

Photo courtesy of Find A Grave volunteer tjvon #47013566

Samuel C. A. Rogers

A soldier in the army of Texas who participated in the Siege of San Antonio in 1835. Born in Virginia, June 18, 1810; died February 13, 1892. His wife, Mary E. Rogers, born September 5, 1835; died May 2, 1912
 

Rites Held for Clark O. Rogers, 95, Jackson's Oldest Native Citizen

Funeral services were held in the Methodist Church of Ganado for Clark O. Rogers, Sunday, Apr. 27. Rev. E. E. Reeves officiated, assisted by Rev. Woodrow Yates. Pallbearers were Albert Strauss of Ganado, John Sutherland of Uvalde, Malcolm Sutherland of Victoria, Willie George Gayle of La Ward, Lee Mack Rogers of San Antonio, R. L. Sutherland of Uvalde and Perry Witt of San Antonio. The ushers were Jerry Williams and Bob Hultquist of Ganado. Interment was in the Ganado Cemetery.

Clark O. Rogers, son of Rev. Samuel C. A. Rogers and Mary Evans Rogers was born February 21, 1863, and died at Victoria, Texas April 24, 1958 at the age of 95 years, 2 months, and 3 days.

He was married to Ida Lou Babcock on May 22, 1837, who preceded him in death in 1947. To this union as born four children, a son, Montie Rogers, who preceded him in death in 1949. Two daughters, Mr. L. W. Lancaster, with whom he had made his home since the death of his wife, Mr. C. F. Spencer, and a son, Owen S. Rogers all of Ganado. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two sister, Mrs. Emma Sutherland and Mrs. Minnie Sutherland, both of Uvalde, Texas, and many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Clark O. Rogers' father was one of the first settler of Jackson County, having come here with Stephen F. Austin in the year 1830. He was born and reared in the Rogers home near Ganado, now known as the Fowler Place. He lived his entire life in this community. Clark O. Rogers had the distinction of being the only direct male descendant of a pioneer settler in this county for many years. He was the oldest member of the Ganado Methodist Church and had been a member longer than anyone in the church. His father was the founder of Methodism in Jackson County.

During his life time Clark O. Rogers was engaged in ranching and farming. In 1895 he moved to Ganado and was in business until his retirement in 1945.--(Contributed)

Edna Herald, Thursday, May 1, 1958

Tribute to Late Clark O. Rogers Given By Niece

(Editor’s Note: The following tribute to the late Clark O. Rogers of Ganado was written by Mrs. Hugh McCollogh, a great niece.)

Mr. Rogers lived a long and useful life and was beloved by all. He was a life-long member of our own Methodist church, and had the privilege of assisting in building and worshipping in three of our church buildings.

The first one was located just north of the Rogers Cemetery. Although a boy at the time, he assisted in hauling the lumber that was shipped to Texana. He also helped hew out the foundation and seats and split shingles from native timber.

It was in this building that the Methodist Church was organized in 1880 and was called Rogers Chapel in honor of his father, who was the first pastor. The next place of worship was in a school building located where the Mizell addition is.

It was in this building that he was united in marriage to Miss Ida Babcock. The next place of worship was a little frame chapel built in 1895 or 1896 and was located on the north-east corner of the block of the present building. Here he was privileged to worship through the years until the present brick building was erected in 1928.

Although he hasn’t been able to attend much of the time the last few years, he has always been keenly interested in the work of the church. He was looking forward to the completion of the new chapel where he hoped to be able to attend.

The story of the life of Mr. Rogers is closely interwoven with the history of our county. He loved company and it was a privilege to visit with him and hear him reminisce. He attended Ganado’s first public school in a log house about a mile from his home. School terms were short then. Later there were frame buildings and longer terms.

He saw our school system progress from the crudest to the most modern. He also saw our country progress in like manner.

His earliest recollections of farming were a few acres of bottom land fenced with rails. They considered prairie land too poor to raise crops. He has watched the progress through the years to the present modern methods.

The cattle industry was better as there was plenty of free range with fences unknown. The first fences were built by the settlers from the north in the ‘90’s. The natives felt like the Yankees were ruining their country.

The only drawback to ranching was no market for cattle and they were often killed for the hide and tallow. He lived to see from trail-driving to modern transportation, and to see the cattle industry progress from the Texas Longhorns to the fine breeds of the present time.

He was here when the railroad was built. He saw Ganado built house by house. He saw it burned twice, saw his own business burn. Each time it emerged a better town until now it rates a modern little city.

He saw the roads progress from cow-trails to modern highways. He saw transportation progress from ox-cart to automobile on to airplanes. Truly he was a link between the Old and New and he progressed along with the times, never pining for the “Good Old Days,” but was keenly alert to all that was happening and looked hopefully forward to a better tomorrow.

We are all better for having known him.

Edna Herald, Thursday, May 15, 1958
 

Silver Celebration, Rogers-Sutherland Reunion, Held at Palacios June 3-5

The Silver Celebration of the Rogers-Sutherland Reunion was held in the Baptist Encampment Grounds at Palacios June 3-5. About 30 arrived on the day before to get in some extra fishing. These families met in 1930 at Laguna, Texas, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the settling in Jackson County of the forefathers, Rev. Samuel C. A. Rogers and Thomas S. Sutherland under Stephen F. Austin. This meeting proved so enjoyable that it was agreed to meet the following year at the same place where it met again in 1936. Other meeting places have been Alto Frio, Garner Park, Con Can, Camp Wood, Port Isabel and this is the third time at Palacios.

Mr. C. O. Rogers, son of Rev. S. C. A. Rogers who was 92 February 21, again has the distinction of being the oldest member present. His sisters, Mrs. Emma Sutherland and Mrs. Minnie Sutherland of Uvalde, were present. All the children of Mrs. Minnie Sutherland were present with a number of husbands and wives and grandchildren. Little Sterling Fly III, age 5-months, was the youngest member present. There were 169 who registered. Mr. and Mrs. Gene Bird of Miami, Florida, came the greatest distance. The brides and grooms present were Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Sutherland Jr. of Uvalde, Virgil is the grandson of Mrs. Emma Sutherland, and Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Ashford of Austin were the other newly weds. Mrs. Ashford is the former Orva Retha Rogers, daughter of Mrs. Maude Rogers and granddaughter of Mr. C. O. Rogers. Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Sutherland Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. Rip Winn were the newly weds at the first reunion and were all on hand to celebrate their silver anniversary. Every morning very early before day the fishermen of the clans would fareforth on their fishing mission, most of the time they only had fisherman's luck to report, but it never fazed them in the least; they were always ready to go again.

Saturday afternoon there was a boat ride to Bird Island which was enjoyed by all who cared to go. Various kinds of amusement, swimming, games, sight seeing, or visiting in groups were the order of the day, as anyone cared to participate. The evenings were spent by all the group in assembly meeting with group singing and talent numbers. Friday evening the program was under the direction of Mrs. Frank Brown of Bay City who led the singing and rendered a very amusing number in song. Mrs. Chester King sang a solo. Little Diane Louise Lancaster of Beaumont sang Davy Crockett.” Miss Jeanette Chapman of Marlin played several numbers on the piano.

The highlight of the evening was a talk by Miss Virginia Witt of San Antonio who is studying to be a missionary. She told of her experience at the Soul’s Clinic located on Skid Row in San Francisco where the workers are required to do actual work among the ones who are down and out. She recalled was eager to continue the work. She told also of some marvelous transformations that she had seen in the lives; of some who had sunk deep in sin. They then proved to be good workers. She truly learned to trust in God and in that faith she is eagerly awaiting her assignment.

The business session was held Saturday evening. It was decided to meet next year some place in West Texas. The new officers elected were Virgil Sutherland of Laguna, chairman; Frank Sutherland, Uvalde, vice-chairman; Johnnie Jean Giroux, Montell, secretary; W. B. McFatter, Uvalde, treasurer; Mary Fly, Uvalde, program chairman.

At the conclusion a very interesting program was given under the direction of Mrs. Viola Green of Dallas. Melissa Sutherland gave a song and dance. Belle Sutherland played a number on the flute, Jo Gayle of LaWard gave a tap dance, Frances Sutherland gave a piano solo, Billy and Karen Sutherland gave a poem, song by Diane Lancaster and Harvey Ashford, reading by Mary Fly; two songs by the Emma Sutherland accompanied by Jeanette Chapman, solo by Harvey Ashford.

Pat Green of Dallas who is studying at S. M. U. to be a minister, gave a talk on Paul’s address on Mar's Hill. He said as Paul revealed to a God who is real instead of an unknown god that we, too, carry His message to all people in need of Him.

Sunday morning devotional opened with the singing of several hymns followed by prayer by Mrs. Mary Vickery of Houston. A solo, “The Lord’s Prayer” was sung by Jeannine Winn of Uvalde.

Rev. Lloyd Chapman, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Marlin, and son-in-law of Mrs. Martha Brown of Palacios, brought a timely message on “What Is Your Life?" He spoke of the four periods of life we pass through and gave the inspiration to live our best in each of them.

Early in the afternoon the group began, to break up and car after car of tired, sunburned, but happy people passed through the gate to go their several ways.

Those attending the reunion from Ganado were Mr. C. O. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Lancaster and Diane, Mr. and Mrs. Chester Spencer, Mrs. Maude Rogers, Mrs. Homer Anderson, J. C. Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Lucky Jackson and William, Mrs. Minta Dolesh, Mrs. Lucille Lemoine and Nancy, Mrs. Agnes Brewer and Laure, and Mr. and Mrs. Hugh McColloch and Louise.
 

Edna Herald, Thursday, June 9, 1955